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“Everything I learned I learned from the movies.” 
― Audrey Hepburn

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  • Paul Carlson
Escape Into Film
Film review: 'Finding Babel'
Jun 1

Jun 1 Film review: 'Finding Babel'

Paul Carlson
film reviews, film festivals

This somber and haunting documentary offers an evocative look back at Isaac Babel, an acclaimed artist that also serves as a cautionary tale for the modern world.

Interview: 'Finding Babel' director David Novack
Jun 1

Jun 1 Interview: 'Finding Babel' director David Novack

Paul Carlson
interviews, film festivals

Despite the fact that the Russian playwright, journalist and author has been dead for more than 75 years, filmmaker David Novack believes Babel is as relevant today as he was in the 1920s.

'Kedi' movie review: Compelling, satisfying look at the lives of street cats
May 28

May 28 'Kedi' movie review: Compelling, satisfying look at the lives of street cats

Paul Carlson
film reviews, film festivals

First and foremost, this documentary about cats isn't merely for cat people. 

'Love & Friendship' review: Jane Austen's hilariously barbed, witty comedy
May 27

May 27 'Love & Friendship' review: Jane Austen's hilariously barbed, witty comedy

Paul Carlson
film reviews, film festivals

Although this may not be among Jane Austen’s best known works, this adaptation is arguably the strongest translation of Austen to the cinema yet.

SIFF 2016 interview: 'If There's a Hell Below' director Nathan Williams
May 26

May 26 SIFF 2016 interview: 'If There's a Hell Below' director Nathan Williams

Paul Carlson
interviews, film festivals

Director Nathan Williams discusses why he filmed his dramatic thriller in the desolate stretches of Washington state.

'The Last King' review: Part history lesson, part thrilling action adventure
May 21

May 21 'The Last King' review: Part history lesson, part thrilling action adventure

Paul Carlson
film reviews, film festivals

The origin of Haakon IV of Norway is the stuff of legend. The story is every bit extraordinary as it is unbelievable

Review: 'Full Court' is a candid, inspiring look at the life of Spencer Haywood
May 21

May 21 Review: 'Full Court' is a candid, inspiring look at the life of Spencer Haywood

Paul Carlson
film reviews, film festivals

This inspiring and candid documentary takes a strong case why every true student of basketball should know the name Spencer Haywood.

'Café Society' review: Kristen Stewart shines in breezy Woody Allen rom-com
May 20

May 20 'Café Society' review: Kristen Stewart shines in breezy Woody Allen rom-com

Paul Carlson
film reviews, film festivals

Woody Allen's latest comedy is breezy and entertaining romp through the glitz of old Hollywood.

2016 Seattle International Film Festival capsule movie reviews
May 19

May 19 2016 Seattle International Film Festival capsule movie reviews

Paul Carlson
film reviews
'High-Rise' film review: Class warfare themes lost amid thin plot, characters
May 19

May 19 'High-Rise' film review: Class warfare themes lost amid thin plot, characters

Paul Carlson
film reviews

While its cynical insights into modernity are intriguing (if obvious), this film is a little too scatterbrained to deliver its ambitious damning indictment against social elitism.

'Captain America: Civil War' review: Fun, dramatic battle between allies
May 5

May 5 'Captain America: Civil War' review: Fun, dramatic battle between allies

Paul Carlson
film reviews

Make no mistake, this is not merely some sort of half-baked "Avengers 2.5."

Movie review: 'Papa: Hemingway in Cuba'
Apr 29

Apr 29 Movie review: 'Papa: Hemingway in Cuba'

Paul Carlson
film reviews

The gradual unravelling of Ernest Hemingway set against the Cuban revolution deserves a better film treatment than this clunky and deeply troubled docudrama.

'Mother's Day' review: A-list cast can't save uninspired, sappy & lazy mess
Apr 29

Apr 29 'Mother's Day' review: A-list cast can't save uninspired, sappy & lazy mess

Paul Carlson
film reviews

Director Garry Marshall's latest ensemble comedy is a terribly flawed movie -- but it has one critical and fundamental flaw: it is simply not funny.

Review: Adorable cat & hilarious comic duo keep 'Keanu' a delightful comedy
Apr 29

Apr 29 Review: Adorable cat & hilarious comic duo keep 'Keanu' a delightful comedy

Paul Carlson
film reviews

This pretty funny comedy lacks the wall-to-wall absurdity of the duo's sketch show - but it retains just enough of their outlandish humor to distinguish itself from so many other bland action comedies.

Interview: 'Mother's Day' director Garry Marshall on women & comedy
Apr 29

Apr 29 Interview: 'Mother's Day' director Garry Marshall on women & comedy

Paul Carlson
interviews

Creator of "Happy Days" and director of "Pretty Woman" chats about his new ensemble comedy.

'Sing Street' review: Soulful, rocking '80s coming-of-age musical is a winner
Apr 29

Apr 29 'Sing Street' review: Soulful, rocking '80s coming-of-age musical is a winner

Paul Carlson
film reviews

The new wave infused flick rocks with a stellar synthpop soundtrack packed with familiar hits and energetic/poignant original songs.

Woody Allen’s 'Café Society' to open 2016 Seattle International Film Festival
Apr 21

Apr 21 Woody Allen’s 'Café Society' to open 2016 Seattle International Film Festival

Paul Carlson
film festivals

The North American premiere of Woody Allen's latest film will also open this year's Seattle International Film Festival, organizers announced.

Review: Incredible, dark 'The Jungle Book' update thrills & delights
Apr 15

Apr 15 Review: Incredible, dark 'The Jungle Book' update thrills & delights

Paul Carlson
film reviews

While the original was a fun little romp through the jungle, this update is a heartfelt and thrilling adventure that's unexpectedly every bit as fun-loving as the animated classic.

Review: Devilishly fun, intense 'Green Room' is a must-see for horror fans
Apr 15

Apr 15 Review: Devilishly fun, intense 'Green Room' is a must-see for horror fans

Paul Carlson
film reviews

No reason to bury the lede: Patrick Stewart is absolutely chilling as a murderous white supremacist leader in this intense, visceral and unexpectedly funny horror-thriller.

Film review: 'The Adderall Diaries'
Apr 15

Apr 15 Film review: 'The Adderall Diaries'

Paul Carlson
film reviews

The stimulant adderall can be misused to increase focus and increase productivity. Ironically, this true-crime drama is terribly unfocused and flails awkwardly for its meager running time.

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““No subject is terrible if the story is true, if the prose is clean and honest, and if it affirms courage and grace under pressure.””
— "Midnight in Paris"

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